Tourism Highlights In Rwanda
Gorilla Tracking
Mountain gorilla tracking at Volcanoes national park is the highlight of tourism activity in Rwanda.
The park comprises of habituated gorilla families available for trekking. Also, Volcanoes Park
covers Rwanda’s share of the great Virunga massif bordering Virunga National Park in Congo and
Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda. Travelers to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda are required
to buy gorilla permits each costing $1500 for an hour’s interaction and all permits are issued out
by Rwanda Development Board.
SABINYO HIKING TRAIL
Volcanoes national park is a home for three extinct volcanoes and
travelers to this park have the added advantage of hiking to the top of any Volcano which rewards
them with spectacular views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, Kigali city, Virunga volcanoes, and local
communities. Mt Karisimbi is the most hiked Volcano and the experience is worth the hike. Mt Bisoke
has the biggest Cater Lake.
GOLDEN MONKEY TRAIL
Golden monkey trekking is another activity done in Volcanoes national
park that attracts thousands of travelers into this jungle. Golden monkeys are exceptional
creatures that every traveler should not miss out on his/her Rwanda safari. It’s only in Volcanoes
Rwanda and Mgahinga gorilla national parks that travelers can see golden monkeys in their natural
habitats. A golden monkey trekking permit costs $100 but the experience is worth the penny.
BOAT CRUISES
On lake Ihema, you will see lots of hippos and crocodiles. At lake Kivu, the
ride will give great scenery of the Congo, fishermen chartering on the river and the mesmerizing
sunsets in the evening. While the twin lakes of Burere and Ruhondo situated in the heart of
Volcanoes national park, a boat ride on either of the lakes rewards you with spectacular views of
the entire park and the neighboring communities.
CHIMPANZEE TRACKING
Chimpanzees are trekked in the rainforest and usually in the morning hours,
therefore rain might fall at any time whether it’s a dry season or not, and therefore rain jacket
should come handy. A poncho can also be worn; most trackers, rangers and porters wear it. If you are
carrying one, carry a light one which you can easily fold and kip in your bag pack until you need it
the next time.
CANOPY WALK
The canopy walkway measures a total of 160 meters in length and is suspended 74
meters from the ground across a deep valley filled with thick forest. The canopy walk tour starts at
Uwinka which is also the park's headquarters and the round trip takes from 1.5 to 2 hours long. It
gives the best forest views experience,
COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL SITE VISITS
After gorilla trekking, you will meet people who are hospitable, proud, and unique people, happy to welcome you into their lives and introduce you to
their traditions. Music and dance play an indispensable role in everyday life here, and performances
range from dashing demonstrations of bravery and prowess to humorous songs, light-hearted dances,
and rural artistry with roots in traditional agriculture. Traditional songs are often accompanied by
a solitary lulunga a harp-like instrument with eight strings while more celebratory dances are
backed by a drum orchestra, which typically comprises seven to nine members who collectively produce
a hypnotic and exciting explosion set of intertwining rhythms.
CAVING
Do not miss out on visiting the Musanze caves on your Rwanda safari to Volcanoes
national park. Experienced guides lead you into these caves while telling you the mysteries of the
caves, history, and all other facts about Rwanda.
WILD LIFE SAFARIS
The best opportunity to explore the best of Rwanda wildlife, a Game Drive at
Akagera National Park is the best way to do it. It is the only place in Rwanda to see the majestic
impala, topi and the only easily accessible place to see the big five. The best game viewing time is
early morning 0r late evening. Even if you're not a morning person, it is always good to motivate
yourself to wake up early for a game drive as this is often the best time of day for sighting
predators
